Disoriented from the relocation process, Remy endeavored to comprehend his circumstances. Subsequently, he was elevated and positioned upright, still restrained to his chair.
His attention was captured by an unanticipated yet somewhat expected phenomenon: a transparent blue screen suspended before him.
[Conditions for Passage]
Persuade Danian, the head of the Mastrior family, to spare your life.
???
???
Remy's eyes widened at the presented task. Although he had heard unverified accounts of methods to navigate this ceremony, none were substantiated.
If I used their methods, it wouldn't help much. They're just guessing, like me, about what I need to do to not die, Remy reflected.
The blue box dissipated as the butt of a firearm made contact with Remy's jaw. The taste of iron permeated Remy's mouth, subsequently escaping as red ichor dripped onto his chin and neck.
"Will you ever understand that you're nothing but a dirt-scrabbling peasant, and she's from a world you can't even dream of?" the voice inquired, revealing its origin.
The individual before Remy, wielding a firearm in one hand and a cigar in the other, was attired in a purple button-sleeved shirt beneath a white coat. This man's bi-colored black and white hair accentuated his resemblance to a stereotypical organized crime figure.
So, this is Danian, the head of the family. And I'm supposedly involved with his daughter. Great, he thought to himself.
"Look, I'm busy. I've got things to do, and people to see," Danian stated, inhaling from his cigar.
Remy reflected upon his existence, a life marked by persistent hardship and victimization. His early years were a relentless struggle, defined by neglect and abuse that no child should ever endure. It was unlikely anyone would have predicted his potential. A veritable nobody. An orphaned boy, seemingly destined to perish upon reaching the age of eighteen, yet this realization provoked a sense of indignation within him, that even in a different dimension, he was still considered insignificant. Despite the unfavorable odds, he resolved to defy expectations by surviving and completing the ceremony. Though it could be pretty humiliating, he wanted to make sure he wouldn't have any regrets if things went south, which was why he visited the brothel.
"Any final words?" Danian inquired as he pressed the firearm's muzzle against Remy's temple.
Their eyes met. Remy found Danian's expression, while positioning a firearm against his head, to be particularly irritating, resembling that of someone performing a tedious chore.
"You're mistaken," Remy asserted.
"About what, exactly?"
"You're wrong. I can fit into your daughter's social circle," Remy stated, endeavoring to maintain his composure while confronting the barrel of the gun, albeit with trepidation.
Danian chuckled at this declaration and lowered his weapon. Remy experienced a wave of sudden relief.
"So, how do you figure that?" Danian asked, suppressing the urge to laugh.
"Look, let me show you what I can do," Remy replied confidently. "I'm a hard worker, I'm committed. Give me a task, and I'll get it done."
"So what's in it for me?" Danian inquired as he stepped away from his captive.
"Everything."
I need to make the most of this. If it's unclear what I need to do to pass, then I've got to find out.
Ceremony conditions dictate a candidate's success and subsequent return with rewards. While the eleven scenarios are consistent, the specific conditions for passage and the associated rewards vary for each candidate, contingent upon their approach to resolving those conditions. During the process of fulfilling a condition, candidates may acquire their first or second gift. Candidates may also discover vestiges or tomes that could enhance their survival prospects during the ceremony and which they may bring home upon completion, although these items are not directly bestowed by the system but rather acquired within their respective scenarios.
The silence in the room was interrupted by the opening of the door. A man wearing spectacles and a black button-down tie beneath a white vest entered. He proceeded directly toward Danian.
"What's up, Harold? Can't you see I'm busy?"
Harold leaned in and conferred with Danian in a hushed tone. Danian's expression shifted from anger to disappointment, all while maintaining eye contact with Remy.
"Tell them to double the guards. I want to make sure no one leaves or enters the castle without my say-so," Danian directed as Harold departed. Danian then turned his attention to Remy.
"You owe the faiths your favor. You're not my priority tonight, kid. You'll stay here until I deal with what's going on," Danian stated, holstering his firearm.
Sweet! Did that count as passing? Remy wondered, glancing at the status screen.
[Conditions for Passage]
(✓) Persuade Danian, the head of the Mastrior family, to spare your life.
???
???
Remy was pleased to note the completion of a condition, but the remaining undisclosed conditions troubled him. The individuals he had interviewed who possessed gifts spoke of the hidden conditions but had neither fulfilled them nor had the opportunity to reveal them
"Let me help you!" Remy interjected.
Danian halted as he approached the door, his back still facing Remy.
"Huh?" Danian inquired.
What am I even saying? Remy thought.
He paused momentarily and observed Danian turn toward him, mere inches from the door.
"Your current problem. Let me help you out with it," Remy clarified.
"What makes you think I need your help?"
"Well, it's not that you need my help, but I'm offering. By assisting you with this, I'd have a chance to prove myself and earn your trust."
What are you doing, Remy? You were just supposed to chill for an hour, then you'd be safe in Emma's arms, he reflected.
Danian erupted in laughter, his hand resting on his abdomen.
Nice! He thinks I'm joking.
"I commend your confidence, young man. Alright, since you're so eager to prove yourself for my daughter's sake, I'll let you," Danian affirmed, seemingly pleased.
Fuck.
"Release him from his restraints," Danian instructed.
The two imposing men beside Remy acted in unison, freeing Remy from his bonds. Remy felt the irritation where the ropes had been as he held his wrist as he stood, now unconstrained.
"Come with me to my office," Danian directed as he opened the door.
Remy complied, with the two guards following. They proceeded through a cobblestone hallway. To their left were a series of apertures in the stone wall, intentionally designed to mimic open windows. The view beyond was striking to Remy, as he had never witnessed such a panorama: verdant mountains bathed in moonlight, the starlit night sky vying with the moon's illumination. A stark contrast to the sprawling urban environment of Remy's upbringing in the Climbing City.
Eventually, their passage down the hallway concluded, and they arrived at a wooden door with an intricately designed exterior. Beyond this door lay Danian's office. The temperature within was notably warmer than the outside. Bookshelves lined the interior, and an assortment of weapons was displayed on the walls. A rug, appearing to be crafted from the hide of a bear, but of a size twice that of any terrestrial ursine, covered the floor. Danian walked past his table in the center of the room and ignited a fresh cigar.
"Have a seat," he said, gesturing toward the unoccupied chair opposite him.